Semiconductor memory, system, and operating method of semiconductor memory

ABSTRACT

Partial refresh information indicating enabling/disabling of a refresh operation is set according to an external input and is output as a partial set signal. A refresh request signal is output periodically corresponding to a memory block for which a refresh operation is enabled. The partial set signal is masked so as to enable a refresh operation for all of the memory blocks during a period in which the partial refresh information is changed by the external input. Thus, it is possible to prevent disabling of a refresh operation in response to a refresh request even when timing of changing the partial refresh information and timing of occurrence of the refresh request signal overlap. Consequently, the refresh operation can be executed securely, and malfunctioning of the semiconductor memory can be prevented.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority fromJapanese Patent Application No. 2007-083484, filed on Mar. 28, 2007, theentire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present embodiments relate to a semiconductor memory having dynamicmemory cells and to a system.

2. Description of the Related Art

Recently, portable equipment such as mobile phones which operate using abattery are gaining popularity. A semiconductor memory mounted in suchportable equipment is required to consume low power so that the batterycan be used for long time. Further, in recent portable equipment, alarge amount of data of images, music files or the like is oftenhandled. Replacing of work memories for these portable equipment are inprogress from SRAMs having a small storage capacity and a high cost perbit to DRAMs having a large storage capacity and a low cost per bit.Along with this, DRAMs that consume low power are demanded for portableequipment.

For reducing the power consumption, DRAMs having a partial self-refreshmode are developed (for example, see Japanese Unexamined PatentApplication Publication No. 2003-68075). A DRAM of this type has afunction to change the size of a partial refresh area for which arefresh operation is executed during the self refresh mode. Further, inportable equipment having various functions, the volume of retained datais different for each operating function.

The DRAMs having a self refresh mode and pseudo SRAMs which internallyexecute a refresh operation automatically have an oscillator whichgenerates a refresh request periodically. For example, the partialrefresh area is set by rewriting bit values in a mode register by asetting command. The refresh request occurs asynchronously with supplytiming of the setting command. Accordingly, when timing of changing thepartial refresh area by the setting command and the timing of occurrenceof the refresh request overlap, there is a fear that the refreshoperation is not executed in the area where the refresh operation shouldbe operated. Thus, data retained in the memory cells disappear. In otherwords, the semiconductor memory malfunctions.

SUMMARY

A refresh set circuit sets partial refresh information indicatingenabling/disabling of a refresh operation for each of the memory blocksaccording to an external input, and outputs the set partial refreshinformation as a partial set signal. A refresh request generationcircuit outputs periodically a refresh request signal corresponding to amemory block for which enabling is indicated by the partial set signal.A refresh address counter generates in response to the refresh requestsignal a refresh address signal indicating a memory cell for which arefresh operation is executed. An operation control circuit executes arefresh operation for one of the memory blocks in response to therefresh request signal. A filter circuit masks the partial set signalfrom the refresh set circuit and outputs a partial set signal indicatingenabling of a refresh operation for all of the memory blocks to therefresh request generation circuit during a period in which the partialrefresh information is changed by the external input.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a semiconductor memory of a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a system of the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates details of a mode register and a filter circuit shownin FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates a partial refresh area of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates operations of the mode register and the filtercircuit shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 illustrates an operation of the memory of the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates a semiconductor memory of a second embodiment.

FIG. 8 illustrates details of a refresh selection circuit shown in FIG.7.

FIG. 9 illustrates an operation of the memory of the second embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates a semiconductor memory of a third embodiment.

FIG. 11 illustrates details of a mode register, a filter circuit and asynchronous circuit shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 illustrates operations of the mode register, the filter circuitand the synchronous circuit shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 illustrates a semiconductor memory of a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 14 illustrates a semiconductor memory of a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 15 illustrates details of a refresh selection circuit shown in FIG.14.

FIG. 16 illustrates a partial refresh area of the fifth embodiment.

FIG. 17 illustrates a semiconductor memory of a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 18 illustrates another example of a mode register.

FIG. 19 illustrates operations of the mode register, a filter circuitand a synchronous circuit shown in FIG. 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described, using the drawings. In thedrawings, each signal line shown by the heavy line is constituted of aplurality of lines. Part of blocks to which the heavy lines areconnected is constituted of a plurality of circuits. Each signal linethrough which the signal is transmitted is denoted by the same referencesymbol as the signal name. Each signal starting with “/” representsnegative logic. Each signal ending with “Z” represents positive logic.Each double circle in the drawings represents an external terminal.

FIG. 1 illustrates a semiconductor memory MEM of a first embodiment. Thesemiconductor memory MEM is, for example, an FCRAM (Fast Cycle RAM) ofpseudo SRAM type. The pseudo SRAM has memory cells of DRAM and aninterface of SRAM, and executes a refresh operation automatically insidethe chip. The semiconductor memory MEM operates in synchronization with,for example, a clock signal CLK. Note that the present invention isapplicable to either of a semiconductor memory of clock asynchronoustype and a semiconductor memory of clock synchronous type.

The memory MEM has a command decoder 10, a mode register 12, a filtercircuit FLT, an oscillator 14, frequency dividers 16, 18, a fuse circuit20, a test circuit 22, a selector 24, an operation control circuit 26having an arbiter ARB, a refresh address counter 28, an addressbuffer/latch 30, an address selector 32, a data input/output buffer 34,a data control circuit 36 and a memory core 38 including memory blocksBLK (BLK0-3). In addition, the memory MEM forms a memory system SYStogether with a CPU as shown in FIG. 2.

The command decoder 10 receives a command signal CMD for executing anaccess operation of the memory core 38, and outputs a command recognizedaccording to the logic level of the command signal CMD as a read commandsignal RD, a write command signal WR or a mode register set signal MRS.The read command signal RD and the write command signal WR are anexternal access request AREQZ for executing an access operation to thememory core 38. For example, the command signal CMD is formed by a chipenable signal /CE, an output enable signal /OE, and a write enablesignal /WE.

The mode register 12 is set according to the bit value of an addresssignal CAD (external input signal) supplied together with the moderegister set signal MRS (mode register set command). A partial refresharea PREFA is set by the mode register 12. Further, the mode register 12may set an operating specification of the memory MEM such as burstlength BL and data latency CL. The partial refresh area PREFA is amemory block BLK for which a refresh operation is executed, and isindicated by partial set signals PSET00, PSET01. The partial refresharea PREFA is explained with FIG. 4. The burst length BL is the numberof data inputs received by a data terminal DQ in response to one writecommand WR, and is the number of data outputs output from the dataterminal DQ in response to one read command RD. The data latency CL isthe number of cycles from reception of the read command RD to output offirst read data DQ.

The filter circuit FLT outputs the partial set signals PSET00,01 set inthe mode register 12 as the partial set signals PSET0-1. However, whilepartial refresh information in the latches LT is changed by the moderegister set command MRS (external input), the filter circuit FLT masksthe partial set signals PSET00,01 from the mode register 12 (latches LTshown in FIG. 3), and sets the values of the partial set signals PSET0-1to values indicating enabling of a refresh operation for all the memoryblocks BLK0-3.

The oscillator 14 outputs an oscillating signal OSC at a predeterminedcycle (1 μs for example). The frequency divider 16 (refresh generationcircuit) divides the frequency of the oscillating signal OSC andgenerates a reference refresh request signal RREQ0Z (10 μs for example)periodically. The frequency of the reference refresh request signalRREQ0Z can be changed according to an adjustment signal from theselector 24. The frequency divider 18 divides the frequency of therefresh request signal RREQ0Z according to the partial set signalsPSET0-1 and generates a refresh request signal RREQZ periodically. Theoscillator 14 and the frequency dividers 16, 18 operate as a refreshrequest generation circuit which periodically outputs the refreshrequest signal RREQZ corresponding to the memory block BLK for whichenabling is indicated by the partial set signals PSET0-1.

The fuse circuit 20 has a fuse programmed for trimming the frequency ofthe refresh request signal RREQ0Z. The trimming is implemented in a testprocess after electric characteristics of the memory MEM are evaluatedby an LSI tester or the like, so as to set the frequency of the refreshrequest signal RREQ0Z to the optimum. The test circuit 22 outputs a testsignal for temporarily changing the dividing ratio of the frequencydivider 16 regardless of the program state of the fuse circuit 20. Thetest circuit 22 operates while the memory MEM is set to the test mode bythe mode register 12 or the like, and retains the value of the addresssignal CAD supplied together with a test mode command.

The selector 24 selects the set value of the fuse circuit 20 when thetest circuit 22 is not in use, and outputs it as an adjustment signal tothe frequency divider 16. Further, the selector 24 masks the set valueof the fuse circuit 20 when the test circuit 22 is in use, selects theset value set to the test circuit 22, and outputs the selected value asan adjustment signal to the frequency divider 16. For example, in thetest process of the memory MEM, the value of the adjustment signal forsetting the frequency of the refresh request signal RREQ0Z to theoptimum is obtained using the test circuit 22, and the fuse circuit 20is programmed according to the obtained value.

The operation control circuit 26 outputs an operation control signal(word line activation signal WLZ, sense amplifier activation signal LEZ,a column selection signal CLZ and a precharge control signal BRS) so asto cause the memory core 38 to execute a read operation or a writeoperation in response to the read command signal RD or the write commandsignal WR, or cause the memory core 38 to execute a refresh operation inresponse to the refresh request signal RREQZ. The read operation, thewrite operation and the refresh operation are executed in one of thememory blocks BLK0-3. The word line activation signal WLZ controlsactivation timing of a word line WL, and the sense amplifier activationsignal LEZ controls activation timing of a sense amplifier SA. Thecolumn selection signal CLZ controls on/off timing of a column switchCSW, and the precharge control signal BRS controls on/off timing of theprecharge circuit PRE.

When the external access request AREQZ (read command RD or write commandWR) conflicts with the refresh request RREQZ, the arbiter ARB of theoperation control circuit 26 decides which one of them should be givenpriority. For example, the arbiter ARB gives priority to the refreshrequest RREQZ when the external access request AREQZ (read command RD orwrite command WR) and the refresh request RREQZ are receivedsimultaneously, and activates a refresh signal REFZ for a predeterminedperiod. The read operation in response to the read command RD issuspended until the refresh operation in response to the refresh requestRREQZ is completed and the refresh signal REFZ is inactivated.Conversely, when the refresh request RREQZ is supplied during a readoperation, the refresh operation in response to the refresh requestRREQZ is suspended until the read operation is completed. At this time,the refresh signal REFZ is activated for a predetermined period inresponse to the completion of the read operation. The same applies tothe write command WR.

The refresh address counter 28 sequentially updates refresh addresssignals RRAD (RRAD0-5) indicating a memory cell MC for which a refreshoperation is executed in response to the refresh request signal RREQZ.At this time, the refresh address signals RRAD are updated after aninternal row address signal IRAD (refresh address) corresponding to therefresh request signal RREQZ is supplied to the memory core 38.Accordingly, it is possible to prevent change of the refresh addresssignals RRAD when executing a refresh operation, and malfunctioning ofthe memory core 38 can be prevented.

The range of the refresh address signals RRAD to be updated changesaccording to the partial set signals PSET0-1. The address buffer/latch30 receives an address signal AD via an external terminal and outputsthe received address as the row address signal RAD and the columnaddress signal CAD. The row address signal RAD is supplied for selectinga word line. The column address signal CAD is supplied for selecting aplurality of sets of bit lines BL, /BL corresponding to the dataterminal DQ formed by a plurality of bits. The address selector 32selects the refresh address signals RRAD for executing a refreshoperation while the refresh signal REFZ is activated, selects the rowaddress signal RAD for executing a read operation or write operationwhile the refresh signal REFZ is inactivated, and outputs the selectedsignal as the internal row address signal IRAD to the memory core 38.

The data input/output buffer 34 receives a write data signal via thedata terminal DQ, and outputs the received data signal as an internaldata signal IDQ. Further, the data input/output buffer 34 receives aread data signal from the memory cells MC, and outputs the received datasignal to the data terminal DQ. During a write operation, the datacontrol circuit 36 converts the internal data signal IDQ (write data)from serial to parallel, and outputs the converted signal to a data busDB. During a read operation, the data control circuit 36 converts readdata on the data bus DB from parallel to serial and outputs theconverted data as the internal data signal IDQ to the data bus DB. Forexample, the bit width of the data bus DB is twice the bit width of thedata terminal DQ (16 data terminals DQ and a 32-bit data bus).

The memory core 38 has four memory blocks BLK0-3, a row decoder RDEC, aprecharge circuit PRE, a sense amplifier SA, a column switch CSW, acolumn decoder CDEC, a read amplifier RA and a write amplifier WA. Eachof the memory blocks BLK0-3 has a plurality of dynamic memory cells MC,a plurality of word lines WL coupled to the memory cells MC arranged inone direction, and a plurality of bit line pairs BL, /BL coupled to thememory cells MC arranged in a direction orthogonal to the one direction.The memory cells MC each have a capacitor for retaining data as electriccharge and a transfer transistor for coupling one end of the capacitorto one of the bit lines BL (or /BL). The other end of the capacitor iscoupled to a precharge voltage line. The gate of the transfer transistoris coupled to one of the word lines WL. By selecting the word lines WL,one of a read operation, a write operation, and a refresh operation isexecuted.

In this example, the common bit line pairs BL, /BL are wired through thememory blocks BLK0-3, and the precharge circuit PRE, the sense amplifierSA, and so on are shared by the memory blocks BLK0-3. However, theprecharge circuit PRE and the sense amplifier SA may be arranged foreach of the memory blocks BLK0-3. Further, a part of the column decoderCDEC as well as the read amplifier RA and the write amplifier WA may bearranged commonly for the memory blocks BLK0-3.

The row address decoder RDEC decodes the internal row address signalIRAD for selecting one of the word lines WL. The precharge circuit PREcouples the bit line pairs BL, /BL to the precharge voltage line insynchronization with the precharge control signal BRS while the memorycells MC are not accessed. The sense amplifier SA amplifies a differencein signal amounts of data signals read to the bit line pairs BL, /BL.The column address decoder CDEC decodes the column address signal CADfor selecting the bit line pair BL, /BL to/from which a data signal isinput/output. The column switch CSW couples the bit lines BL, /BLcorresponding to the column address signal CAD to the read amplifier RAand the write amplifier WA. The read amplifier RA amplifiescomplementary read data output via the column switch CSW during a readaccess operation. The write amplifier WA amplifies complementary writedata supplied via the data bus DB and supplies the amplified data to thebit line pairs BL, /BL during a write access operation.

FIG. 2 illustrates a system SYS of the first embodiment. The system SYSis, for example, portable equipment such as a mobile phone, and has asystem board SBRD in which a system in package SiP (System in Package)for controlling the operation of the portable equipment is mounted. TheSiP has the memory MEM shown in FIG. 1, a memory controller MCNT whichaccesses the memory MEM, a flash memory FLASH, a flash controller FCNTwhich accesses the flash memory FLASH, a CPU (system controller)controlling the entire system, and so on. The CPU, the memory controllerMCNT and the flash controller FCNT are coupled to each other by a systembus SBUS, and operate in synchronization with a system clock signalSCLK. When the memory MEM or the flash memory FLASH operate insynchronization with the clock signal CLK, the system clock signal SCLKis supplied as the clock signal CLK to the memory MEM or the flashmemory FLASH. The SiP may be coupled to a higher system via an externalbus.

For example, in this system SYS, a program and data stored in the flashmemory FLASH are transferred to the memory MEM when powered on.Thereafter, the CPU executes the program transferred to the memory MEMfor realizing the function of the system SYS, and reads/writes dataretained in the memory MEM. The CPU outputs an access request foraccessing the memory MEM and a write data signal WDT, and receives aread data signal RDT from the memory MEM. Further, the CPU outputs anaccess request for accessing the flash memory FLASH. The CPU does notoutput a refresh request, and hence is not able to recognize the timingthat the memory MEM executes a refresh operation. In other words, thememory MEM executes the refresh operation automatically without beingrecognized by the CPU.

FIG. 3 illustrates details of the mode register 12 and the filtercircuit FLT shown in FIG. 1. Note that the mode register 12 in thediagram only illustrates a circuit for setting the partial refresh areaPREFA. A circuit for setting the burst length BL and the data latency CLis omitted from the diagram. The mode register 12 has a delay circuitDLY1 and two latches LT (refresh set circuit) which receives the columnaddress signal CAD (CAD0-1). The delay circuit DLY1 delays the moderegister set signal MRS and outputs a delay set signal DMRS. The twolatch circuits LT latch partial refresh information indicated by columnaddress signals CAD0-1 (external input) in synchronization with thedelay set signal DMRS, and retains the latched values as values settingthe partial refresh area PREFA shown in FIG. 4. The latch circuits LToutput the retained values as partial set signals PSET00, PSET10.

The filter circuit FLT has a pulse width extension circuit PLSE and twoAND circuits corresponding to the latches LT respectively. The pulsewidth extension circuit PLSE has a delay circuit DLY2 and a NOR gate.The pulse width extension circuit PLSE extends a falling edge of themode register set signal MRS in pulse form and outputs a signal withinverted logic as an all refresh signal AREFX. The all refresh signalAREFX is activated to a low logic level during a period in which themode register set signal MRS is activated to a high logic level.

The two AND circuits output the partial set signals PSET00-10 as thepartial set signals PSET0-1 while the all refresh signal AREFX isinactivated (high logic level). Further, the AND circuits fix thepartial set signals PSET0-1 to low logic levels while the all refreshsignal AREFX is activated (low logic level). Thus, the partial setsignals PSET0-1 are fixed to low logic levels regardless of the valuesretained in the latches LT during a predetermined period in which themode register set command MRS is supplied. Accordingly, during a setperiod of the latches LT of the mode register 12, all the memory blocksBLK0-3 are set to the partial refresh area PREFA.

FIG. 4 illustrates the partial refresh area PREFA of the firstembodiment. The memory blocks BLK indicated by hatching are the partialrefresh area PREFA for which execution of the refresh operation isenabled. For the memory blocks BLK indicated by blank spaces, therefresh operation is disabled. The larger the partial refresh area PREFAis, the larger the retainable data amount, and larger the powerconsumption are. Conversely, the smaller the partial refresh area PREFAis, the smaller the retainable amount, and smaller the power consumptionare.

When the values of the partial set signals PSET0-1 set by the moderegister set command MRS are both a low logic level L, all the memoryblocks BLK are set to the partial refresh area PREFA (ALL). When thevalues of the partial set signals PSET0-1 are both a high logic level H,the refresh operation for all the memory blocks BLK0-3 is disabled(NONE). When the values of the partial set signals PSET0-1 are H, L, thememory blocks BLK0-1 are set to the partial refresh area PREFA (½). Whenthe values of the partial set signals PSET0-1 are L, H, only the memoryblock BLK0 is set to the partial refresh area PREFA (¼).

Note that the memory blocks BLK0-3 are selected by two bits, IRAD4-5, ofthe row address signal IRAD. When the values of the row address signalsIRAD4-5 are L, L, the memory block BLK0 is selected. Similarly, when thevalues of the row address signals IRAD4-5 are H, L/L, H/H, H, the memoryblocks BLK1/BLK2/BLK3 are selected respectively.

FIG. 5 illustrates operations of the mode register 12 and the filtercircuit FLT shown in FIG. 3. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the partialrefresh area PREFA is set to ½ in advance. Specifically, the refreshoperation is executed to retain the data in the memory blocks BLK0-1. Bythe mode register set command MRS, the partial refresh area PREFA ischanged from ½ to ¼.

The mode register set signal MRS is activated when the chip enablesignal /CE, the write enable signal /WE and the output enable signal /OEare at low logic levels (FIG. 5( a)). In response to the mode registerset signal MRS, the delay set signal DMRS and the all refresh signalAREFX are output (FIG. 5( b, c)). To set the partial refresh area PREFAto ¼, the column address signals CAD0-1 change to levels L, H. However,in this example, the column address line CAD0 has a larger load than thecolumn address line CAD1. Accordingly, the change of the address lineCAD0 from the level H to the level L is later than the change of theaddress line CAD1 from the level L to the level H. Consequently, in thecolumn address signals CAD0-1, a period of levels H, H occurs (FIG. 5(d)). The latches LT shown in FIG. 3 output the levels of the columnaddress signals CAD0-1 as the partial set signals PSET00,10 while thedelay set signal DMRS is at a high logic level (FIG. 5( e)), and latchthe levels of the column address signals CAD0-1 in synchronization witha falling edge of the delay set signal DMRS (FIG. 5( f)).

Prior to the present invention, the partial set signals PSET0-1 areoutput directly from the latches LT shown in FIG. 3. Accordingly, whenlevels of the partial set signals PSET0-1 are both a level H, thepartial refresh area PREFA is set to “NONE”, and the refresh operationfor the memory blocks BLK0-3 is disabled temporarily (FIG. 5( g)). Thefrequency divider 18 shown in FIG. 1 masks the refresh request signalRREQ0Z received during the period of “NONE”, and does not activate therefresh request signal RREQZ (FIG. 5( h)). As a result, the refreshoperation in response to the refresh request signal RREQ0Z is notexecuted.

When the refresh address signal RRAD corresponding to the refreshrequest signal RREQ0Z indicates the memory block BLK0, the refreshoperation for the memory block BLK0 is omitted once. The memory blockBLK0 is a block for which the refresh operation is executed so as toretain data when the partial refresh area PREFA is changed to ¼.Therefore, in the memory cells MC for which the refresh operation isomitted, data are lost until the next refresh operation is executed.

On the other hand, in this embodiment, over the period in which thecolumn address signals CAD0-1 are both changed to a level H, the allrefresh signal AREFX is activated and the partial set signals PSET0-1are fixed forcibly to low logic levels L regardless of the levelsretained in the latches LT (FIG. 5( i)). Accordingly, during thisperiod, the partial refresh area PREFA is set to “ALL” temporality.Therefore, the refresh request signal RREQZ is output in response to therefresh request signal RREQ0Z, and the refresh operation for the memoryblocks BLK is executed (FIG. 5( j)). The partial refresh area PREFA isswitched from “½″ to “¼″ in synchronization with a rising edge of theall refresh signal AREFX (FIG. 5( k)).

FIG. 6 illustrates an operation of the memory MEM of the firstembodiment. When the levels of the partial set signals PSET0-1 are L, L,the memory blocks BLK0-3 are set to the partial refresh area PREFA(ALL). In this case, the frequency divider 18 shown in FIG. 1 outputsthe refresh request signal RREQZ in synchronization with the refreshrequest signal RREQ0Z. The refresh address counter 28 shown in FIG. 1changes the refresh address signals RRAD5-4 sequentially insynchronization with the refresh request signal RREQZ when the partialset signals PSET0-1 are at levels L, L. Then, in synchronization withthe refresh request signal RREQZ, the refresh operation for the memoryblocks BLK0-3 is executed sequentially. In FIG. 6, REFBLK indicates thenumber of the memory block BLK for which the refresh operation isexecuted. In addition, the refresh address signals RRAD3-0 are outputsequentially as shown in FIG. 9. Specifically, the lower order bits ofthe refresh address counter 28 are assigned for selection of the memoryblocks BLK0-3, and the higher order bits thereof are assigned forselection of the word line WL in each of the memory blocks BLK0-3.

Then, the word line WL coupled to the memory cells MC for which therefresh operation is executed is selected according to the refreshaddress signals RRAD3-0.

When the levels of the partial set signals PSET0-1 are H, L, the memoryblocks BLK0-1 are set to the partial refresh area PREFA (½). In thiscase, the frequency divider 18 divides the refresh request signal RREQ0Zin two and outputs them as the refresh request signal RREQZ. The refreshaddress counter 28 fixes the refresh address signal RRAD5 to a low logiclevel L when the partial set signals PSET0-1 are at levels H, L.Accordingly, only the refresh address signal RRAD4 changes sequentiallyin synchronization with the refresh request signal RREQZ. Then, insynchronization with the refresh request signal RREQZ, the refreshoperation for the memory blocks BLK0-1 is executed sequentially.

When the levels of the partial set signals PSET0-1 are L, H, only thememory block BLK0 is set to the partial refresh area PREFA (¼). In thiscase, the frequency divider 18 divides the refresh request signal RREQ0Zinto four and outputs them as the refresh request signal RREQZ. Therefresh address counter 28 fixes the refresh address signals RRAD4-5 tolow logic levels L when the partial set signals PSET0-1 are at levels L,H. Accordingly, the refresh operation for the memory block BLK0 isexecuted sequentially in synchronization with the refresh request signalRREQZ.

When the levels of the partial set signals PSET0-1 are H, H, the partialrefresh area PREFA is not set (NONE). In this case, the frequencydivider 18 disables output of the refresh request signal RREQZ. Therefresh address counter 28 holds the refresh address signals RRAD4-5 tolow logic levels L or high logic levels H when the partial set signalsPSET0-1 are at levels H, H. Accordingly, the refresh operation for allthe memory blocks BLK0-3 is disabled. In other words, the refresh blockREFBLK does not exist. Thus, the refresh address counter 28 fixes thelogic of at least one bit of the refresh address signals RRAD4-5according to the partial set signals PSET0-1.

In this embodiment, when the partial refresh area PREFA is changed, thegenerated refresh address signal RRAD changes according to change of thecycle of the refresh request signal RREQZ. Accordingly, the refreshcycle of each memory cell MC becomes constant without depending on thesize of the partial refresh area PREFA. Therefore, data retained in thememory cells MC included in the partial refresh area PREFA will notdisappear.

As above, in the first embodiment, while the mode register set commandMRS is set, it is possible to prevent masking of a refresh operationeven when the timing of changing the partial refresh information by themode register 12 and the timing of occurrence of the refresh requestsignal RREQZ overlap. Specifically, during a period in which the levelsof the address signals CAD0-1 supplied together with the mode registerset command MRS are not stable due to skew or the like, and the partialrefresh information is not determined, the partial refresh area PREFA isset forcibly to “ALL”. Thus, it is possible to prevent disabling of anecessary refresh operation, and to prevent destruction of data retainedin the memory cells MC. Consequently, malfunctioning of the memory MEMcan be prevented.

The dividing ratio of the frequency divider 18 is changed according tothe partial set signals PSET0-1, and the logic of at least one bit ofthe refresh address signal RRAD is fixed according to the partial setsignals PSET0-1. Accordingly, the refresh operation for only the memoryblock BLK (=partial refresh area PREFA) according to the partial setsignals PSET0-1 can be executed sequentially.

FIG. 7 illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention. Thesame elements as those explained in the first embodiment are given thesame reference signs, and detailed explanation thereof is omitted. Inthis embodiment, instead of the refresh address counter 28 of the firstembodiment, a refresh address counter 28A is formed. Further, thefrequency divider 18 of the first embodiment is deleted, and a refreshselection circuit 40A is added instead. The other structure is the sameas in the first embodiment. For example, the system SYS of thisembodiment has the same structure as in FIG. 2. The partial refresh areaPREFA is the same as in FIG. 4.

The refresh selection circuit 40A has a function to mask the refreshrequest signal RREQZ based on the values of the partial set signalsPSET0-1 (partial refresh area PREFA) and the refresh address signalsRRAD4-5. The refresh address counter 28A updates the refresh addresssignals RRAD (RRAD0-5) sequentially in synchronization with the refreshrequest signal RREQ0Z regardless of the values of the partial setsignals PSET0-1.

FIG. 8 illustrates details of the refresh selection circuit 40A shown inFIG. 7. The refresh selection circuit 40A has a NAND gate, AND circuitsAND1-4, an OR circuit OR1, and a NOR gate. The NAND gate activates therefresh mask signal RMSKX to a low level when the partial set signalsPSET0-1 indicate “H, H (NONE)”. The AND circuit AND1 masks the refreshrequest signal RREQ0Z while the refresh mask signal RMSKX is activated.By the NAND gate and the AND circuit AND1, the refresh operation for thememory blocks BLK with blank spaces in the state “NONE” shown in FIG. 4is masked.

The AND circuit AND2 outputs a high logic level so as to mask therefresh request signal RREQZ when the partial set signal PSET1 indicates“H” and the refresh address signal RRAD4 is at a high logic level.Specifically, when the partial refresh area PREFA includes “¼″, therefresh operation for the memory blocks BLK1,3 is disabled.

The OR circuit OR1 outputs a high logic level when the partial setsignal PSET0 or PSET1 is at a high logic level, in other words, thepartial refresh area PREFA is other than “ALL”. The AND circuit AND3outputs a high logic level so as to mask the refresh request signalRREQZ when the partial refresh area PREFA is set to other than “ALL”,and the refresh address signal RRAD5 is at a high logic level. In otherwords, when the partial refresh area PREFA includes “½″ or “¼″, therefresh operation for the memory blocks BLK2,3 is disabled. The NOR gateinactivates a refresh enable signal RENZ to a low logic level inresponse to a high logic level from the AND circuit AND2 or AND3, andactivates the refresh enable signal RENZ to a high logic level inresponse to a low logic level from the AND circuits AND2 and AND3. TheAND circuit AND4 outputs the refresh request signal RREQ0Z supplied viathe AND circuit AND1 as the refresh request signal RREQZ while therefresh enable signal RENZ is activated. Further, the AND circuit AND4masks an output of the refresh request signal RREQZ in response to therefresh request signal RREQ0Z while the refresh enable signal RENZ isinactivated. By the OR gate, the AND circuits AND2-3 and the NORcircuit, the refresh operation for the memory blocks BLK with blankspaces in the state “½″ and the state “¼41 shown in FIG. 4 is masked.

FIG. 9 illustrates an operation of the memory MEM of the secondembodiment. In this embodiment, the refresh address counter 28A updatesthe refresh address signals RRAD0-5 sequentially in response to therefresh request signal RREQ0Z. The other operation is the same as in thefirst embodiment (FIG. 6). Similarly to the first embodiment, therefresh address signals RRAD0-5 are updated after the internal rowaddress signal IRAD (refresh address) corresponding to the refreshrequest signal RREQ0Z is supplied to the memory core 38.

As above, also in the second embodiment, the same effects as in theabove-described first embodiment can be obtained. Further, in thisembodiment, a part of pulses of the reference refresh request signalRREQ0Z is masked according to the partial set signals PSET0-1 and therefresh address signals RRAD4-5, and the rest of the pulses which arenot masked are output as the refresh request signal RREQZ. Thus, inresponse to the refresh request signal RREQZ, the refresh operation foronly the memory block BLK (=partial refresh area PREFA) according to thepartial set signals PSET0-1 can be executed sequentially.

FIG. 10 illustrates a third embodiment of the present invention. Thesame elements as those explained in the first and second embodiments aregiven the same reference signs, and detailed explanation thereof isomitted. In this embodiment, a synchronous circuit SYNC is formedbetween the filter circuit FLT and the frequency divider 18 and therefresh address counter 28 of the first embodiment. The other structureis the same as in the first embodiment. Specifically, the semiconductormemory MEM is, for example, an FCRAM (Fast Cycle RAM) of pseudo SRAMtype. For example, the system SYS of this embodiment has the samestructure as in FIG. 2. The partial refresh area PREFA is the same as inFIG. 4.

FIG. 11 illustrates details of the mode register 12, the filter circuitFLT and the synchronous circuit SYNC shown in FIG. 10. The mode register12 and the filter circuit FLT are the same as in the first embodiment(FIG. 3).

The synchronous circuit SYNC has a pair of master-slave flip-flops MSF/Fcoupled in series for outputting the partial set signal PSET0, and apair of master-slave flip-flops MSF/F coupled in series for outputtingthe partial set signal PSET1. Each flip-flop MSF/F receives an inputsignal during a period in which the refresh request signal RREQ0Z is ata high logic level, latches the value of an input signal received insynchronization with a falling edge of the refresh request signalRREQ0Z, and outputs the latched value.

The flip-flop MSF/F in the front stage latches partial set signals PS00,PS01 from the AND circuit, and outputs the latched values as partial setsignals LPS0, LPS1. The flip-flop MSF/F in the rear stage latches thepartial set signals LPS0, LPS1 and outputs the latched values as thepartial set signals PSET0-1. Thus, the partial set signals PSET0-1 areoutput in synchronization with the refresh request signal RREQ0Z(=RREQZ).

FIG. 12 illustrates operations of the mode register 12, the filtercircuit FLT and the synchronous circuit SYNC shown in FIG. 11. Thewaveforms up to output of the latches LT (PS0, PS1) are the same as inthe first embodiment (FIG. 5). In this example, the refresh requestsignal RREQ0Z occurs at almost the same timing as a rising edge of theall refresh signal AREFX. Timing of supplying the mode register setcommand MRS to the memory MEM and the timing of occurrence of therefresh request signal RREQ0Z are asynchronous, and hence the stateshown in FIG. 12 occurs at a predetermined probability.

The flip-flops MSF/F in the front stage operate at timing when thepartial set signals PS0-1 change from “ALL” to “¼″ in synchronizationwith a falling edge of the refresh request signal RREQ0Z. Thus, theflip-flops MSF/F output the partial set signals LPS0-1 indicating “ALL”or “¼″ (FIG. 12( a)). In synchronization with the next falling edge ofthe refresh request signal RREQ0Z, the flip-flops MSF/F in the frontstage output the partial set signals LPS0-1 indicating “¼″ (FIG. 12(b)), and the flip-flops MSF/F in the rear stage output the partial setsignals PSET0-1 indicating “ALL” or “¼″ (FIG. 12( d)).

In synchronization with the next falling edge of the refresh requestsignal RREQ0Z, the flip-flops MSF/F in the rear stage outputs thepartial set signals PSET0-1 indicating “¼″ (FIG. 12( d)). Thus, thepartial refresh area PREFA is set to “¼″ in response to the thirdrefresh request signal RREQ0Z from the mode register set command MRS. Aperiod needed for occurrence of the third refresh request signal RREQ0Zis 30 μs for example. The largest cycle of the refresh operation neededfor the memory cells MC to retain data is 32 ms for example.Accordingly, the delay of 30 μs of the refresh operation does not affectthe memory operation.

In this manner, the partial set signals PSET0-1 are changed after outputof pulses of the refresh request signals RREQ0Z, RREQZ insynchronization with the refresh request signal RREQ0Z. Accordingly, itis possible to prevent switching of the partial set signals PSET0-1while pulses of the refresh request signal RREQZ are output, and toprevent stopping of output of the pulses of the refresh request signalRREQZ in the middle due to the switching. When the pulse width of therefresh request signal RREQZ is short, the operation control circuit 26is not able to receive the refresh request signal RREQZ properly, andhence there is a fear that the proper refresh operation cannot beexecuted.

Note that, similarly to the first embodiment, the refresh addresscounter 28 updates the refresh address signals RRAD after the internalrow address signal IRAD corresponding to the refresh request signalRREQZ is supplied to the memory core 38. Further, in this embodiment,the refresh address signals RRAD are updated after the partial setsignals PSET0-1 are switched (FIG. 12( e)). Accordingly, it is possibleto prevent deviation of the refresh address signals RRAD correspondingto the refresh request signals RREQ0Z, RREQZ.

As above, also in the third embodiment, the same effects as in theabove-described first and second embodiments can be obtained. Further,in this embodiment, by synchronizing with the refresh request signalRREQ0Z changing of the partial refresh area PREFA which occursasynchronously with occurrence of the refresh request signal RREQ0Z, itis possible to prevent that the refresh area PREFA is changed during aswitching operation of the frequency divider 18. In otherwords, byswitching the partial set signals PSET0-1 always after the timing ofoccurrence of the refresh request signal RREQ0Z, it is possible toprevent overlap of the timing of switching the partial set signalsPSET0-1 and the timing of occurrence of the refresh request signalRREQZ. Consequently, it is possible to prevent that the pulse width ofthe refresh request signal RREQZ output from the frequency divider 18becomes narrow, and to prevent malfunctioning of the memory MEM.

FIG. 13 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Thesame elements as those explained in the first, second and thirdembodiments are given the same reference signs, and detailed explanationthereof is omitted. In this embodiment, between the filter circuit FLTand the refresh selection circuit 40A of the second embodiment, the samesynchronous circuit SYNC as that of the third embodiment is formed. Theother structure is the same as in the second embodiment. Specifically,the semiconductor memory MEM is, for example, an FCRAM (Fast Cycle RAM)of pseudo SRAM type. For example, the system SYS of this embodiment hasthe same structure as in FIG. 2. The partial refresh area PREFA is thesame as in FIG. 4.

In this embodiment, by synchronizing with the refresh request signalRREQ0Z changing of the partial refresh area PREFA which occursasynchronously with occurrence of the refresh request signal RREQ0Z, itis possible to prevent that the refresh area PREFA is changed during anoperation of the refresh selection circuit 40A. In other words, byswitching the partial set signals PSET0-1 always after the timing ofoccurrence of the refresh request signal RREQ0Z, it is possible toprevent overlap of the timing of switching the partial set signalsPSET0-1 and the timing of occurrence of the refresh request signalRREQZ.

On the other hand, when the timing of switching the partial set signalsPSET0-1 and the timing of occurrence of the refresh request signal RREQZoverlap, output of the refresh request signal RREQZ may stop in themiddle. In this case, the pulse width of the refresh request signalRREQZ becomes short and the operation control circuit 26 cannot receivethe refresh request signal RREQZ properly, and thus, there is a fearthat the proper refresh operation cannot be executed. Specifically, inthe refresh selection circuit 40A shown in FIG. 8, when at least one ofthe refresh address signals RRAD4-5 is at a high logic level, in otherwords, when the refresh block REFBLK is one of the memory blocks BLK1-3,change of the partial refresh area PREFA from “ALL” to “¼″ may cause thepulses of the refresh request signal RREQZ to stop in the middle. Moreparticularly, when an output of the AND circuit AND2 or AND3 shown inFIG. 8 changes to a high logic level while the refresh request signalRREQ0Z is activated due to the change from “ALL” to “¼″, the refreshenable signal RENZ is inactivated. In this case, the AND circuit AND4stops output of the refresh request signal RREQZ in the middle. Asabove, also in the fourth embodiment, the same effects as in theabove-described first, second and third embodiments can be obtained.

FIG. 14 illustrates a fifth embodiment of the present invention. Thesame elements as those explained in the first and second embodiments aregiven the same reference signs, and detailed explanation thereof isomitted. In this embodiment, instead of the mode register 12 and therefresh selection circuit 40A of the second embodiment, a mode register12D and a refresh selection circuit 40D are formed. The other structureis the same as in the second embodiment. Specifically, the semiconductormemory MEM is, for example, an FCRAM (Fast Cycle RAM) of pseudo SRAMtype. For example, the system SYS of this embodiment has the samestructure as in FIG. 2. However, the partial refresh area PREFA isdifferent from that in FIG. 4.

Together with the partial set signals PSET0-1, the mode register 12Doutputs partial selection signals PSEL4-5 for replacing the partialrefresh area PREFA. Accordingly, to set the logic values of the partialselection signals PSEL4-5, the mode register 12D receives the columnaddress signal CAD which is two bit larger than in the first and secondembodiments. The refresh selection circuit 40D recognizes the partialrefresh area PREFA according to the partial set signals PSET0-1 and thepartial selection signals 4-5, and outputs the refresh request signalRREQZ in synchronization with only the refresh request signal RREQ0Zcorresponding to the partial refresh area PREFA.

FIG. 15 illustrates details of the refresh selection circuit 40D shownin FIG. 14. The refresh selection circuit 40D has logic gates EOR1, EOR2coupled to inputs of the AND circuits AND2, AND3 respectively. The logicgate EOR1 calculates an exclusive OR of the row address signal RRAD4 andthe partial selection signal PSEL4. The logic gate EOR2 calculates anexclusive OR of the row address signal RRAD5 and the partial selectionsignal PSEL5. The other structure is the same as the refresh selectioncircuit 40A (FIG. 8) of the second embodiment.

FIG. 16 illustrates the partial refresh area PREFA of the fifthembodiment. The memory blocks BLK indicated by hatching are the partialrefresh area PREFA for which the refresh operation is executed. In thememory blocks BLK indicated by blank spaces, the refresh operation isdisabled.

In this embodiment, when the partial refresh area PREFA is set to “½″,the partial refresh area PREFA is set to the memory blocks BLK to whichthe refresh address signal RRAD5 having the same logic as that of thepartial selection signal PSEL5 is assigned. For example, when thepartial selection signal PSEL4 is at an L level, the partial refresharea PREFA is set to the memory blocks BLK0-4.

Similarly, when the partial refresh area PREFA is set to “¼″, thepartial refresh area PREFA is set to the memory blocks BLK to which therefresh address signals RRAD4-5 having the same logic as that of thepartial selection signals PSEL4-5 are assigned. For example, when thepartial selection signals PSEL4-5 are at an H level, an L level, thepartial refresh area PREFA is set to the memory block BLK1.

As above, also in the fifth embodiment, the same effects as in theabove-described first and second embodiments can be obtained. Further,in this embodiment, in the memory MEM in which the partial refresh areaPREFA can be replaced, it is possible to prevent masking of thenecessary refresh operation, and to prevent disappearance of dataretained in the memory cells MC. That is, malfunctioning of the memoryMEM can be prevented.

FIG. 17 indicates a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The sameelements as those explained in the first embodiment are given the samereference signs, and detailed explanation thereof is omitted. In thisembodiment, values (partial refresh area PREFA) set to the latches LT inthe mode register 12 (FIG. 3) are supplied not via the address signalCAD but via a dedicated partial set terminal PSET. The other structureis the same as in the first embodiment. Specifically, the semiconductormemory MEM is, for example, an FCRAM (Fast Cycle RAM) of pseudo SRAMtype. For example, the system SYS of this embodiment has the samestructure as in FIG. 2, except that it has a signal line to supply apartial set signal (external input) to the partial set terminal PSET.The partial refresh area PREFA is the same as in FIG. 4. As above, alsoin the sixth embodiment, the same effects as in the above-describedfirst embodiment can be obtained.

Note that in the third and the fourth embodiment, there is explained anexample of operating the master-slave flip-lops MSF/F formed in thesynchronous circuit SYNC in synchronization with the refresh requestsignal RREQ0Z. The present invention is not limited to such embodiments.For example, as shown in FIG. 18, the flip-flops MSF/F may be operatedin synchronization with the oscillating signal OSC.

FIG. 19 illustrates operations of the mode register 12, the filtercircuit FLT, and the synchronization circuit SYNC shown in FIG. 18. Thecycle of the oscillating signal OSC is 1 Its for example, which isone-tenth of the cycle (10 μs) of the refresh request signal RREQ0Z.Thus, the filter circuit FLT2 can set the partial set signals PSET0-1 to“¼″ before the second refresh request signal RREQ0Z occurs.

In the above-described embodiments, an example of applying the presentinvention to the FCRAM of pseudo SRAM type is explained. The presentinvention is not limited to such embodiments. For example, the presentinvention may be applied to a DRAM having a self-refresh mode. In thiscase, the DRAM may be either of clock asynchronous type and clocksynchronous type.

In the above-described embodiments, there is explained an example offorming the system SYS by mounting the system in package SiP on thesystem board SBRD. The present invention is not limited to suchembodiments. For example, the system SYS may be formed by mounting onthe system board SBRD an SoC (System on Chip) including at least theCPU, the memory controller MCNT, and the flash controller FCNT.

A proposition of the embodiments is to prevent malfunctioning of asemiconductor memory by securely executing a refresh operation even whenchanging of a partial refresh area and a refresh request overlap.

According to one aspect of the embodiments, a refresh set circuit setspartial refresh information indicating enabling/disabling of a refreshoperation for each of the memory blocks according to an external input,and outputs the set partial refresh information as a partial set signal.A refresh request generation circuit outputs periodically a refreshrequest signal corresponding to a memory block for which enabling isindicated by the partial set signal. A refresh address counter generatesin response to the refresh request signal a refresh address signalindicating a memory cell for which a refresh operation is executed. Anoperation control circuit executes a refresh operation for one of thememory blocks in response to the refresh request signal. A filtercircuit masks the partial set signal from the refresh set circuit andoutputs a partial set signal indicating enabling of a refresh operationfor all of the memory blocks to the refresh request generation circuitduring a period in which the partial refresh information is changed bythe external input. Thus, during setting of the refresh set circuit, itis possible to prevent disabling of a refresh operation in response to arefresh request by partial refresh information which is not determined.In other words, even when timing of changing the partial refreshinformation by the refresh set circuit and timing of occurrence of therefresh request signal overlap, the refresh operation for memory blockscan be executed securely in response to the refresh request signal.Consequently, malfunctioning of the semiconductor memory can beprevented.

For example, the refresh request generation circuit has a refreshgeneration circuit and a frequency divider. The refresh generationcircuit generates a reference refresh request signal periodically. Thefrequency divider divides a frequency of the reference refresh requestsignal according to a value of the partial set signal, and outputsdivided signals as the refresh request signal. Further, the refreshaddress counter fixes logic of at least one bit of the refresh addresssignal according to the partial set signal. Alternatively, the refreshrequest generation circuit has a refresh generation circuit and arefresh selection circuit. The refresh selection circuit masks a part ofpulses of the reference refresh request signal according to the partialset signal and the refresh address signal, and outputs rest of thepulses which are not masked as the refresh request signal. Accordingly,in response to the refresh request signal, a refresh operation for onlythe memory block corresponding to the partial set signal can be executedsequentially.

For example, the synchronous circuit synchronizes the partial set signalfrom the filter circuit with the reference refresh request signal andoutputs the synchronized signal to the refresh request generationcircuit. Accordingly, the partial set signal can be switched alwaysafter the timing of occurrence of the reference refresh request signal.In other words, it is possible to prevent overlap of the timing ofswitching the partial set signal and the timing of occurrence of therefresh request signal. For example, it is possible to prevent maskingof pulses of the refresh request signal while being output by switchingof the partial set signal. Consequently, the refresh operation can beexecuted securely, and malfunctioning of the semiconductor memory can beprevented.

The many features and advantages of the embodiments are apparent fromthe detailed specification and, thus, it is intended by the appendedclaims to cover all such features and advantages of the embodiments thatfall within the true spirit and scope thereof. Further, since numerousmodifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in theart, it is not desired to limit the inventive embodiments to the exactconstruction and operation illustrated and described, and accordinglyall suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, fallingwithin the scope thereof.

1. A semiconductor memory, comprising: a plurality of memory blocks eachhaving dynamic memory cells; a refresh set circuit which sets partialrefresh information indicating enabling/disabling of a refresh operationfor each of the memory blocks according to an external input, andoutputs the set partial refresh information as a partial set signal; arefresh request generation circuit which outputs periodically a refreshrequest signal corresponding to the memory block for which enabling isindicated by the partial set signal; a refresh address counter whichgenerates in response to the refresh request signal a refresh addresssignal indicating the memory cell for which the refresh operation isexecuted; an operation control circuit which executes the refreshoperation for one of the memory blocks in response to the refreshrequest signal; and a filter circuit which masks the partial set signalfrom the refresh set circuit and outputs the partial set signalindicating enabling of the refresh operation for all of the memoryblocks to the refresh request generation circuit during a period inwhich the partial refresh information is changed by the external input.2. The semiconductor memory according to claim 1, wherein: the refreshrequest generation circuit comprises a refresh generation circuit whichgenerates a reference refresh request signal periodically, and afrequency divider which divides a frequency of the reference refreshrequest signal according to a value of the partial set signal, andoutputs divided signals as the refresh request signal; and the refreshaddress counter fixes logic of at least one bit of the refresh addresssignal according to the partial set signal.
 3. The semiconductor memoryaccording to claim 1, wherein the refresh request generation circuitcomprises: a refresh generation circuit which generates a referencerefresh request signal periodically; and a refresh selection circuitwhich masks a part of pulses of the reference refresh request signalaccording to the partial set signal and the refresh address signal, andoutputs rest of the pulses which are not masked as the refresh requestsignal.
 4. The semiconductor memory according to claim 1, furthercomprising a synchronous circuit which synchronizes the partial setsignal from the filter circuit with the reference refresh request signaland outputs the synchronized signal to the refresh request generationcircuit.
 5. The semiconductor memory according to claim 4, wherein thesynchronous circuit comprises a pair of flip-flops coupled in series tolatch the partial set signal sequentially in synchronization with thereference refresh request signal.
 6. The semiconductor memory accordingto claim 4, wherein the synchronous circuit outputs the partial setsignal before the refresh address counter switches the refresh addresssignal in response to the refresh request signal.
 7. The semiconductormemory according to claim 1, further comprising a mode register in whichan operating specification of the semiconductor memory is set accordingto an external input, wherein the refresh set circuit is formed in themode register.
 8. The semiconductor memory according to claim 1, furthercomprising a dedicated terminal which receives the partial refreshinformation as the external input.
 9. A system comprising asemiconductor memory and a controller which outputs an access request tothe semiconductor memory, wherein: the semiconductor memory comprising:a plurality of memory blocks each having dynamic memory cells, a refreshset circuit which sets partial refresh information indicatingenabling/disabling of a refresh operation for each of the memory blocksaccording to an external input, and outputs the set partial refreshinformation as a partial set signal, a refresh request generationcircuit which outputs periodically a refresh request signalcorresponding to the memory block for which enabling is indicated by thepartial set signal, a refresh address counter which generates inresponse to the refresh request signal a refresh address signalindicating the memory cell for which the refresh operation is executed;an operation control circuit which executes the refresh operation forone of the memory blocks in response to the refresh request signal, anda filter circuit which masks the partial set signal from the refresh setcircuit and outputs the partial set signal indicating enabling of therefresh operation for all of the memory blocks to the refresh requestgeneration circuit during a period in which the partial refreshinformation is changed by the external input; and the controller setsthe partial refresh information to the semiconductor memory.
 10. Thesystem according to claim 9, wherein: the refresh request generationcircuit comprises a refresh generation circuit which generates areference refresh request signal periodically, and a frequency dividerwhich divides a frequency of the reference refresh request signalaccording to a value of the partial set signal, and outputs dividedsignals as the refresh request signal; and the refresh address counterfixes logic of at least one bit of the refresh address signal accordingto the partial set signal.
 11. The system according to claim 9, whereinthe refresh request generation circuit comprises: a refresh generationcircuit which generates a reference refresh request signal periodically;and a refresh selection circuit which masks a part of pulses of thereference refresh request signal according to the partial set signal andthe refresh address signal, and outputs rest of the pulses which are notmasked as the refresh request signal.
 12. The system according to claim9, wherein the semiconductor memory further comprises a synchronouscircuit which synchronizes the partial set signal from the filtercircuit with the reference refresh request signal and outputs thesynchronized signal to the refresh request generation circuit.
 13. Thesystem according to claim 12, wherein the synchronous circuit comprisesa pair of flip-flops coupled in series to latch the partial set signalsequentially in synchronization with the reference refresh requestsignal.
 14. The system according to claim 12, wherein the synchronouscircuit outputs the partial set signal before the refresh addresscounter switches the refresh address signal in response to the refreshrequest signal.
 15. The system according to claim 9, wherein thesemiconductor memory further comprises a mode register in which anoperating specification of the semiconductor memory is set according toan external input, wherein the refresh set circuit is formed in the moderegister.
 16. The system according to claim 9, wherein the semiconductormemory further comprises a dedicated terminal which receives the partialrefresh information as the external input.
 17. An operating method of asemiconductor memory including a plurality of memory blocks each havingdynamic memory cells and operating in response to an access requestsignal from an outside and a refresh request signal generated inside,the method comprising: setting partial refresh information indicatingenabling/disabling of a refresh operation for each of the memory blocksaccording to an external input, and outputting the set partial refreshinformation as a partial set signal; outputting periodically a refreshrequest signal corresponding to the memory block for which enabling isindicated by the partial set signal; generating in response to therefresh request signal a refresh address signal indicating the memorycell for which the refresh operation is executed; executing the refreshoperation for one of the memory blocks in response to the refreshrequest signal; and masking the partial set signal so as to enable therefresh operation for all of the memory blocks during a period in whichthe partial refresh information is changed by the external input. 18.The operating method of the semiconductor memory according to claim 17,further comprising: generating a reference refresh request signalperiodically; dividing a frequency of the reference refresh requestsignal according to a value of the partial set signal, and outputtingdivided signals as the refresh request signal; and fixing logic of atleast one bit of the refresh address signal according to the partial setsignal.
 19. The operating method of the semiconductor memory accordingto claim 17, further comprising: generating a reference refresh requestsignal periodically; masking a part of pulses of the reference refreshrequest signal according to the partial set signal and the refreshaddress signal; and outputting rest of the pulses which are not maskedas the refresh request signal.
 20. The operating method of thesemiconductor memory according to claim 17, further comprisingsynchronizing the partial set signal with the reference refresh requestsignal.
 21. The operating method of the semiconductor memory accordingto claim 20, further comprising latching the partial set signalsequentially in synchronization with the reference refresh requestsignal.
 22. The operating method of the semiconductor memory accordingto claim 20, further comprising outputting the partial set signal beforeswitching the refresh address signal in response to the refresh requestsignal.
 23. The operating method of the semiconductor memory accordingto claim 17, further comprising setting the partial refresh informationto a mode register in which an operating specification of thesemiconductor memory is set.
 24. The operating method of thesemiconductor memory according to claim 17, further comprising receivingby a dedicated terminal the partial refresh information as the externalinput.